SOUTHERN LEYTE – Tropical Storm Nalgae or Paeng hit the province on Friday, October 28, 2022. Schools suspended their classes and the Philippine Coast Guard directed to temporarily stop boat and ferry services in many parts of the country.
Floods and landslides occurred in many areas and rescue and other services were done by the Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Coast Guard, local government units and private initiatives after the heavy rains caused by the typhoon.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a total of 379 incidents of flooding and 60 landslides across the country. The provinces of Southern Leyte, Maguindanao del Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Antique, Negros Occidental, and Cebu have been badly affected.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said over 40,000 people were pre-emptively evacuated before the storm hit. As of 30 October, a total of 364,746 people were displaced across the country, with many staying in 2,125 evacuation camps. The storm had impacted the lives of 932,077 across 46 provinces in 14 regions, NDRRMC further reported.
Scientists warned that storms are becoming more powerful because the world is getting warmer due to climate change. Storms also kill livestock and destroy farms, houses, roads and bridges, among other things.
According to DepEd Southern Leyte Division PDO II/DRRM Coordinator Samsom S. Clarus, 342 schools were adversely affected by Tropical Storm Paeng last October 4, 2022.
A total of 60 classrooms were used as evacuation centers for 200 families and 913 evacuees from 10 schools in Bontoc, Libagon, Macrohon, San Juan, St. Bernard, Macrohon, Sogod, San Ricardo, Limasawa and Malitbog towns.
During the suspension of classes, a total of 53,126 learners were also adversely affected.
In Infrastructure, two classrooms had major damage and only one had a slight damage.
The Maasin City Engineering Office and the Office of the City Agricultural Services (OCAS) reported that total damage to infrastructure was P3,547,500 of roads in barangays Lunas, Sta. Cruz, Nati, Tam-is, Tawid and Malapoc Norte.
Total damage to crops and fisheries was estimated at P2,323,052.30, with 60 farmers affected.
A total of 1,787 families in evacuation areas were given relief goods.
Three houses were totally destroyed, while 29 were partially damaged.
While in a report forwarded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Disaster and Management Office (PDRRMO) five houses (four in Hilaan and one in Beniton), Bontoc had been washed away by the raging waters and were totally damaged.
Six houses, (three from Gakat, Libagon, two from Tampoong, Sogod and one in Buenavista, Pintuyan) had minor damage.
A 47-year-old farmer with live-in partner and a resident of barangay Gabi, San Francisco died last October 30, 2022 after having a drinking spree with his neighbor near the creek. After the spree, the victim went home which was located across the river. The victim was believed to have drowned due to the strong currents of the flood caused by Typhoon Paeng. The victim’s cadaver was brought by the responding PNP personnel to the San Francisco rural health unit. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Marx Robin D. Tiaozon, conducted the post mortem examination and stated that the probable cause of death was respiratory failure, secondary to asphyxiation and drowning.
(Photo forwarded by SLPDRRMO)
Southern Leyte Times
